If you’re looking to provide your bees with some much-needed nutrition, making pollen patties is a fantastic option. These patties can help sustain your bee colony, especially during the early spring months when natural pollen sources may be scarce. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide along with a simple recipe that will have your bees buzzing with excitement for this tasty treat!
Ingredients for Pollen Patties
Before we dive into the instructions, let’s gather the necessary ingredients:
- 1 cup of pollen substitute (or actual pollen if available)
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of corn syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- Optional: a few drops of essential oils (like peppermint or tea tree oil)
Instructions for Making Pollen Patties
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making those delicious pollen patties!
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pollen substitute and sugar. Make sure they are well mixed to ensure even distribution when combined with the other ingredients.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the corn syrup (or honey), water, and vegetable oil. If you’re using essential oils for added benefits, include them now. Stir until well blended.
3. Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until you get a thick dough-like consistency. If it seems too dry, you can add a little more water, but be careful not to make it too runny.
4. Shape the Patties: Once your mixture is ready, take small handfuls and mold them into flat patties that are around 1/2 inch thick. You can make them any size you prefer, but keep in mind the size of your bees’ feeding area.
5. Storage: Place the patties on wax paper or parchment paper and let them dry for a few hours. Once they are firm, you can store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to feed them to your bees.
6. Feeding the Bees: When the time comes to feed your bees, simply place the patties in their hive. Bees will appreciate the supplemental nutrition, especially when natural food sources are limited.
By preparing these pollen patties, you’re ensuring your bees have the best chance to thrive throughout their foraging seasons. Happy beekeeping!
winter bee food recipe
source = www.pinterest.com
